An ESPN report from a closed-door meeting of the NFL's owners and executives has revealed that Houston Texans owner Robert McNair made an exceptionally harsh analogy while criticising NFL players protests, claiming that "We can’t have the inmates running the prison."
An absolutely idiotic comment to make, it quickly made headlines in the US and sparked outrage across social media.
McNair has since apologised for the remarks, issuing the following statement early this morning:
I regret that I used that expression. I never meant to offend anyone and I was not referring to our players. I used a figure of speech that was never intended to be taken literally. I would never characterize our players or our league that way and I apologize to anyone who was offended by it.
Perhaps thinking before speaking would be advisable. The comments prompted a response from Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green who was not at all happy with what he had heard.
Green clarified his post today after Warriors' practise, arguing that SFGATE NFL Commisoner Roger Goodell needs to step up:
I don’t think it should be up to (McNair) to change his behavior. They got a commisssioner just like any other league. First they were sons of bitches and now inmates? I know some inmates. They don’t pay taxes. They’re not community leaders. They’re not (Malcolm) Jenkins, flying to the White House, flying to D.C., doing all these things to make a difference. They’re not (Colin) Kaepernick, donating $1 million. That’s like, c’mon man — inmates? That’s unacceptable.
Seattle Seahawks Cornerback Richard Sherman also tweeted a not-so-subtle barb in response to the comments.
I can appreciate ppl being candid. Don’t apologize! You meant what you said. Showing true colors allows ppl to see you for who you are.
— Richard Sherman (@RSherman_25) October 27, 2017
McNair's comments come at a time when it's becoming increasingly obvious owner's support for their players right to protest is wavering.
Last month US President Donald Trump's comments criticising NFL anthem protests lit a fire under the league's executive and owners. Across the league team's owners issued strong statements criticising Trump's divisive comments and took action during the following round of games.
The Houston Texans took action in the following game against the New England Patriots by linking arms on the field. Interestingly, the players were not joined by McNair despite other owners joining their teams. Instead his son and the team's chief operating officer Cal McNair joined the players.
Robert McNair, who was a significant doing to the Trump campaign during his run for office, did issue a statement at the time criticising Trump's comments:
The NFL specifically, and football in general, has always unified our communities and families. The comments made by the President were divisive and counterproductive to what our country needs right now. I hope the reaction from our players results in positive action for our league, our communities and our country as a whole to make a positive difference in our society.
McNair made the much-criticised comment during a meeting called to discuss the financial repercussions of the anthem protests as well as Trump's persistent criticism.
Dallas Cowboy's owner Jerry Jones, who was also a Trump donor, did join his players in a pre-game kneel in the aftermath of Trump's complaints. Yet in recent weeks Jones has made it clear it is a requirement his players stand for the anthem. This move spawned a congratulatory tweet from Trump for Jones:
The protests, while diminishing in number, continued last week. Colin Kaepernick's former club the San Franciso 49ers staged one of the biggest protest with 7 players taking a knee during the anthem.
In some cases the protests have evolved in a bid to avoid offending veterans. Tennessee Titans wide receiver Rishard Matthews has taken to remaining in the locker room during the anthem while the Indianapolis Colts made a decision as a team to stand during the anthem and instead wear pre-game t-shirts embodied with "we will" on the front and "stand for... Equality. Justice. Unity. Respect. Dialogue. Opportunity." on the back.
McNair's comments are indicative of an anxious hand group hand-writhing over the effect anthem protests will have on their profits. Everything from player punishment to an alternative platform for social activism has been muted, but for now the anthem crisis looks set to rumble on.
